I have a question about brake fluid for my 2012 TL. I had my brake fluid (recommended) changed out by my Acura dealer in December of 2015. On March 19 I had a complete brake job done not by Acura dealer (way to high). When they inspected the braking system they also insisted that I needed to have my brake fluid changed because it looked pretty dirty. The brake fluid flush was not that much but I informed them that I had it done 3 months ago at the dealer. On Monday March 21 I emailed the Service Manager at my Acura dealer and I informed him of what was said about the brake fluid. Here is his response:

"I am unsure why they would tell you to replace your brake fluid due to color. American Honda's stand on brake fluid is as follows: "all brake fluids discolor and get darker with age and exposure to high temperatures. Some brands may discolor more or less than other brands. Discoloration is normal, and it does not indicate a problem with the fluid or the brake system." We replaced your brake fluid in December so it will be fine for three years."

Here is the photo I also sent. I would value others opinions as to if this is correct or is he blowing smoke? Thanks...

Tom

 

That fluid looks pretty good to me. I changed mine back in November after it was in for more than 6 years and it was much darker than that. To me, that looks new. JMHO.

 

It's unfair to grade brake fluid color while it is still in the car's brake fluid reservoir bc you may be seeing the color of the stained reservoir itself and not the color of the brake fluid, since brake fluid is some what clear when new.

You need to check the fluid against a known white background to know for sure if the fluid is new or not.

Or the current shop is dishonest and put dirty fluid in there to add another service. Duf

 

^agree. The main thing to look for is any sort of mold/algae growing on the top of the fluid. Also I'd highly recommend every 2 years if you live in cold or very humid climates.

 

lol. Brake fluid heats up as you brake and tends to turn dark brown after awhile. Usually we recommend to change out the brake fluid every 40-50k. That's when I drain my brake fluid on my car.

 

The dealer is correct and their response was quoted directly from the December 1993 Acura Service News article:

B931208
Discolored Brake Fluid
Affected Vehicles: General Information
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SN/B931208.PDF
http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/p...nu/B931208.PDF

 

3 years regardless of mileage

 

I have changed brake fluid already on my 2012 Tl and it has 39000km( 24300mil). It was done at Acura dealer.

 

LOL, Tom just wants to know how he can tell if his brake fluid was change or not? Not service intervals or if the brake fluid changes color over time.

Brake fluid is not going to change color in three months of normal driving. That just doesn't happen.

You should of look at the fluid before and after the change. If you want to know now? Just siphon the fluld out of the reservoir and put it in a clear container. Is it clear or slightly tinted? Or is it darker?

Darker will definitely be questionable but not definitive bc some brand are a little darker that others.

If its clear or slightly tinted it's probably new.

If it's dark as in the picture then it's old and was not change. Please note that I'm only referencing the "Color" in the pic and not the color of the actual fluid in the car bc pic's color could be different than real life due to camera setting.